The Bizarre World of Captain Schettino

While it's possible that Costa Concordia Captain Francesco Schettino will be convicted of manslaughter over the death of 32 cruise ship passengers, it's also important to remember something about a rush to judgment. The respected news agency Reuters carried a story headlined "Italy cruise ship's captain tells survivors: I'm sorry". In the story, there is… Continue reading The Bizarre World of Captain Schettino

'Aye, Matey, that's the Aussie Spirit'

  If you're a North American on the Carnival Spirit during the next year or two, be prepared to drink amber fluid (beer) from your schooner (large beer glass) after slipping out of your cozzie (swimming costume) and into your strides (trousers) until the snags are ready on the barbie. If you're an Australian, however,… Continue reading 'Aye, Matey, that's the Aussie Spirit'

'Little' names that sell cruises

Maybe you're not a port person or you've just seen the same old ports too many times. Maybe you just want to spend your cruise on board and enjoy the ship for what it is. Or maybe, like our family doctor, there's something more interesting happening on the ship — like a medical conference. More… Continue reading 'Little' names that sell cruises

New Ports the Way of Future

If you drew a diagonal line from one corner of North America to another, it couldn't be much longer than the one linking Port Canaveral (Florida) and Nanaimo (British Columbia). Both are cruise ports with vastly different volumes of traffic, but both have built what might be perceived as cruise ship terminals of the future.… Continue reading New Ports the Way of Future

Fireworks on Deck at Disney

  It's on days like today that Disney can be happy it's Disney. No other cruise line is able to have fireworks displays at sea, and today is the Fourth of July, if you hadn't noticed. Disney Cruise Line wanted — and received — permission for fireworks to tie in with its Pirate Night, a… Continue reading Fireworks on Deck at Disney